Rafaela Prifti/
US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra officially extended the Covid-19 public health emergency for another three months. The renewal of the declaration comes as the Omicron offshoot BA.5, a highly transmissible subvariant that is circulating currently, is causing a rise in the number of cases in much of the United States. In addition, these developments are occurring as many people resume pre-pandemic lifestyles and traveling. In combination, the clinical severity of the BA.5 and its timing raise the stakes to critical levels on account of a virus that can mutate into more infectious versions of itself.
Instead of a respite in the summer months, data shows an increase in infections from an already high baseline. Noting that BA.5 has spread to many different countries already, health experts believe this particular subvariant is poised to drive a Covid-19 wave in the fall in the US. Undercounted Covid-19 cases could spell trouble for the health system as it leaves the US with insufficient data numbers.
Although vaccination still likely protects against severe illness, a worrying hallmark of the variant are three key mutations in its spike protein that increase its transmissible capabilities and render it able to partially escape the immunity defenses produced by the vaccine and by prior infection. So people who’ve had Covid as recently as winter or even spring may again be vulnerable to the virus. A recent study of people infected one or more times with Covid-19 showed that health risks of new infections rose with each subsequent infection.
In addition, these developments are occurring as many people resume pre-pandemic lifestyles and traveling.
At a news debriefing on Tuesday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, expressed concern over the death numbers. The agency announced its decision to maintain its emergency declaration for Covid-19.
Data shows that daily hospitalizations are climbing in the United States. The fraction of patients needing intensive care is up by about 23% over the past two weeks.
Another reason for concern is that while the virus is still spreading wildly, it has every opportunity to mutate to make even fitter and more infectious versions of itself.
US health officials say that people who are boosted now will still be able to get an updated shot this fall that includes the BA.4 and BA.5 strains. FDA is recommending changing the composition of Covid 19 vaccines this fall.
In dealing with the current situation, health officials warrant caution and careful consideration not a change of lifestyle or daily activities. The good news is that the vaccines and boosters continue to provide excellent protection against severe disease although immunity from vaccines as well as infections wane over time. Their advise is to follow CDC guidelines and wear high-quality N95 mask in indoor and crowded settings. Although people are tired of hearing about precautions, even for a generally healthy individual, it is important to be aware of the risk of contracting the virus and/or transmitting it to someone you care about or someone with compromised immunity. If you have symptoms at any point, immediately test and do not expose others around you. If you test positive, you should still isolate for five days in accordance with the CDC guidance. After that, you wear a mask around others for an additional five days if symptoms are improving. Recent infection produces some protection that probably lasts for about three months and reinfection can certainly happen.
There is a lot of virus around us and the current variants are highly contagious. Doctors say that means avoiding infection requires additional consideration and sensible measures.
Sources: CDC, WHO, Health Reports